Newsletters
Sayer Vincent sends a monthly newsletter to its clients and others who register to receive it. It keeps you informed of news and developments that may affect your organisation. If you would like to receive the newsletter by email or would like further information on any topics covered in newsletters, do please contact us on svinfo@sayervincent.co.uk
Tell us if we need to change your contact details or if you would like us to send the newsletter to more people in your organisation. We are happy to send to treasurers or other trustees - just send the additions or changes to svinfo@sayervincent.co.uk
Past editions of newsletters are available to download fom the righthand menu. A summary of our latest newsletter can be found below.
February 2012
Getting CRM right for your organisation
We recently held a workshop with over 30 representatives of charities looking at ways of achieving customer relationship management (CRM) solutions and sharing our overview of the market of database systems that might deliver solutions for charities. At Sayer Vincent, we know that CRM means different things to different organisations – even different things to different departments within the same organisation! For some, the acronym stands for packaged fundraising software, for others it means the processes and procedures involved in managing member services, for still others CRM is a strategic way of thinking about the individuals and organisations that their charity engages with. Of course, any of these definitions can be correct, and our team of IS consultants has worked with departments and organisations across all the permutations. However broad or narrow the definition, the key to a successful CRM project is understanding the engagement an organisation has with its contacts and the activities, resourcing and technology that support it. Contact iain@sayervincent.co.uk if you would like to discuss CRM or visit Our services for information on how Sayer Vincent can help.
USAID grant audits and training
We recently held a training course for those charities working internationally with USAID funding. With 20 auditors and 20 charities it was a packed intense two or three days. We have subsequently had several requests for further training and should be happy to organise a training course specifically for charities. We should be grateful if you could let us know if you are interested so that we can establish whether there is enough demand for a second course. Contact paul@sayervincent.co.uk. If you need help with USAID funding then do please contact Pam@sayervincent.co.uk.
VAT online
From 1 April 2012 all VAT registered traders will have to file their VAT returns online. Make sure you are set up in good time as you have to register for the online service.
Update on gift aid guidance
HMRC has changed some of its gift aid guidance under Chapter 3 of its detailed guidance notes for charities. The sections that have changed are mainly those relating to donor benefits and particular situations. The updated guidance is available here but if you would like a summary of the changes, then please contact your Sayer Vincent partner or manager.
The future of charity accounting
Change to the formats is coming – slowly. We now know that the overall framework for accounting will change with an effective date of 1 January 2015. Before then we can expect a new charity SORP for consultation and the intention is that the new SORP will be effective from the same date. More information and links are available on our website.
Strategic forum learning events
Visit our website for all events and training.
Adaptive Performance Management Forum: Systems thinking – 7 March 2012
This session will focus on systems thinking and will be particularly relevant to health and social care charities moving to services centred on individuals. Ideas on making systems work from the customers’ point of view have been developed for service organisations by Vanguard Consulting. They work with many public sector organisations and charities will find much of what they have to say relevant and interesting. Lesley Kragt from Vanguard will show us what is meant by studying the system and then implementing change that is adaptive and works with the grain instead of against it. Rick Wilson (CEO – Community Lives Consortium) will present a case study which illustrates how his organisation applied the Vanguard Method and the impact it had on his organisation. Rick will highlight that working in a more person centred way is also a more efficient way of working – at a time of fiscal famine and arbitrary cuts the application of the Vanguard Method has enabled Rick and his organisation to truly “do more for less”. For further information and to book places, click here.
Transferring funds overseas: managing the risks – 26 April, London
All charities operating internationally need to send funds to branches or partner organisations in the field. Charities have to comply with a significant body of law and regulation including the Bribery Act, Charity Commission guidance and HMRC rules. This session will cover the legal background and provide practical guidance on how to manage the risks. Speakers will include Kate Sayer of Sayer Vincent and Stephanie Biden of Bates Wells & Braithwaite. This event is free for both SV clients and non-clients to attend. For further information and to book a place, click here.
The full newsletter, including the latest Sayer Vincent charity development events, is available to download.